Guyana joins Caribbean in mourning Mighty Sparrow’s death

President Irfaan Ali and the opposition A Partnership for National Unity (APNU) have joined the rest of the Caribbean in mourning the death of international calypso icon Slinger “Mighty Sparrow” Francisco.

“The Mighty Sparrow’s music will endure as they (sic) have for decades. His compositions – insightful, witty and at times mischievous – became the soundtrack of generations, their lyrics etched with wit, rhythm, and fearless social commentary —mirrors held up to the Caribbean’s character, its contradictions, its unbroken spirit.

“He brought recognition to our Caribbean civilization. His melodies and lyrics sailed far beyond the region’s shores,” Dr Ali said Monday morning in a statement on his Facebook page almost a day after Sparrow passed away at the age of 91.

He also credited the Grenada-born artiste, who made Trinidad and Tobago his home, with lifting calypso from mere entertainment into an art form.

“He was the peerless virtuoso of the double entendre and picong, turning sly innuendo and biting mockery into unforgettable craft,” the President said.

The People’s National Congress Reform-led APNU said Sparrow’s remarkable body of work transcended national boundaries and generations.

“Sparrow became an enduring symbol of Caribbean creativity and the immense contribution of our region to world music. His music chronicled the experiences, aspirations, struggles and triumphs of Caribbean people, while his artistry helped establish calypso as a respected and influential musical form internationally,” that political organisation said.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) said Sparrow’s music tapped into the rhythms and sentiments of the Region, providing insightful and incisive social and political commentary in an artform unique to the Caribbean experience.

The regional body said his rich legacy continues to inspire future generations to preserve and promote Caribbean culture to the highest standards.

“In a career spanning the Caribbean, Europe and the United States of America, for many decades the Mighty Sparrow entertained, educated and inspired audiences, promoting Caribbean culture in the global arena with lyrical brilliance,” CARICOM said in a statement.

Sparrow penned over 500 calypsos, produced upwards of 70 albums, and secured numerous titles, including 10 Calypso Monarch crowns and eight Road March victories.

Sparrow was the recipient of, among others, the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) in 2001, the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) in 2014, and an Honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) from The University of the West Indies in 1987.